Marcus Amaker takes daily naps. He’s also a dad, husband, Charleston’s first Poet Laureate, an opera writer, and an Academy of American Poets fellow. In 2024, he was inducted into the S.C. Literary Hall of Fame. He’s published ten books, released 43 albums of electronic music and three albums with a two-time Grammy Award winner. He’s also the graphic designer of the national bluegrass music journal, No Depression. His poetry has been recognized by The Source, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Washington Post, PBS Newshour, NPR, Button Poetry, American Poets Magazine, The Kennedy Center, and more. His re-written version of My Country Tis of Thee was used by the Washington National Opera for President Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

News & updates

SC Literary Hall of Fame!

I recently received some incredible news: I’ve been inducted into the South Carolina Literary Hall of Fame by the South Carolina Academy of Authors. What an honor, especially since I’ve done all of this as a self-published poet. More info

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Opera in Charleston

Singers & Stanzas is a spoken word + opera collaboration with Holy City Arts & Lyric Opera. I’ll debut my new poem, “Photosynthesis,” at the May 4 event. (Star Wars Day, I know, but this will be cool, I promise.) Learn more